The Harper Government Supports the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup™

OTTAWA, May 4, 2012 /CNW/ - Foreign Affairs Minister and M.P. for Ottawa
West - Nepean John Baird, on behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal,
Minister of State (Sport), today congratulated the city of Ottawa on
being named one of the host cities of the upcoming 2015 FIFA Women's
World Cup™.

"I'm very excited that Ottawa will play host to the the 2015 FIFA
Women's World Cup™," said Minister Baird. "Ottawa will do a great job welcoming the elite
of the soccer world to Canada. I know soccer's many local players and
fans join me in wishing our Women's National Team the best."

"We are extremely grateful to FIFA for providing us with the opportunity
to host this most important competition," said Canadian Soccer
Association President, Dr. Dominique Maestracci. "The sport of soccer
continues to gain momentum both as a participatory and spectator
experience in our country, with nearly half of all participants female.
We thank the Government of Canada and our provincial and municipal
government partners for their outstanding support to ensure we will
continue that growth through 2015 and beyond."

Of the close to 400,000 women and girls registered in soccer in 2008,
over 165,000 were playing in the province of Ontario. This is great
news for the province and for the sport of soccer as it continues to
grow across the country.

The Government of Canada is extremely proud to be an active supporter of
this prestigious international event that will once again allow our
great nation to shine on the world scene. We look forward to
celebrating with FIFA, the Canadian Soccer Association and with
Canadian fans from coast to coast as we welcome the world to the
province of Ontario.

The Government of Canada contribution of up to $15M from Sport Canada's Hosting Program will enable the Canadian Soccer Association to stage this historic
event, which will also bring welcome economic benefits to the region by
creating jobs and opportunities for Canadian businesses and
entrepreneurs before, during and after the event.